Luis Suárez Extends with Inter Miami Through 2026, Joining Messi for Stadium Debut

Luis Suárez has officially extended his stay with Inter Miami through the 2026 season, a move that will see him share the field with Lionel Messi for the club’s new stadium debut. The 39‑year‑old, who turns 39 in January, has signed a contract that keeps him on the roster for at least one more season, with the financial terms kept confidential. This extension marks Suarez’s third year with the MLS champions and signals a continued partnership with Messi as Inter Miami prepares to unveil its new home near Miami International Airport.

Contract and Commitment

Suárez’s new contract covers the 2026 season, with no public disclosure of the salary or bonus structure. The announcement came from Inter Miami on Wednesday, confirming the striker’s intention to remain with the club beyond the 2025 campaign. By securing his services through 2026, the club ensures that Suarez will be part of the team’s preparations for the opening of the new stadium, a significant milestone for Inter Miami.

Joining Messi in the New Stadium

The upcoming stadium, located close to Miami International Airport, will host the first matches featuring both Suarez and Messi. The venue’s opening is scheduled to coincide with the arrival of the two star players, providing a high‑profile launch for the club’s new facility. Suarez’s presence alongside Messi is expected to draw considerable attention to the stadium’s inaugural games.

2024 Season Performance

During the 2024 campaign, Suarez tallied 17 goals and 17 assists across 50 appearances in all competitions. Despite his strong overall contribution, he saw a reduced role in the final four matches of the MLS Cup playoffs, and he did not feature in the 3‑1 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. Nevertheless, his goal‑scoring prowess remained evident, as he led Inter Miami with 25 goals across all competitions and netted 20 regular‑season goals, a tally that tied him with Messi for second place among all MLS players that year.

Inter Miami’s Roster Changes

Inter Miami has experienced notable roster shifts since the conclusion of the 2024 season. Veteran defenders Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets announced their retirements, leaving gaps in the squad’s defensive lineup. To address these changes, the club secured defender Ian Fray on an extension that runs through the 2028‑29 season, reinforcing the backline for the coming years.

Club Achievements and Context

Suárez joined Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 season and played a key role in the club’s first Supporters’ Shield title. His contributions helped the team secure the league’s top regular‑season record, a historic achievement for the franchise. The club’s success has been built on a combination of experienced signings and strategic roster management.

Future Outlook for MLS

Inter Miami’s continued investment in star talent raises questions about the league’s competitive landscape, especially as Lionel Messi’s future with the club becomes a topic of discussion. The club’s ability to retain and integrate high‑profile players may influence the trajectory of MLS in the coming years, though the exact impact remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• Luis Suárez has signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through the 2026 season.
• The 39‑year‑old will join Lionel Messi for the opening of Inter Miami’s new stadium near Miami International Airport.
• Suarez’s 2024 season saw 17 goals and 17 assists in 50 appearances, with 20 regular‑season goals tied for second most in MLS.

Inter Miami’s commitment to retaining top talent, coupled with strategic roster adjustments, positions the club to continue its growth and success in Major League Soccer. The partnership between Suarez and Messi, set against the backdrop of a brand‑new stadium, underscores the club’s ambition to elevate its profile both domestically and internationally.